Center of pressure displacements in individuals with Down syndrome during a bipedal position

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate body balance of adults with Down syndrome based on the analysis of their centre of pressure behaviour.

Method

Cross-sectional case control-study. Twelve individuals with Down syndrome and twelve without Down syndrome took part in the study. All the participants were tested under two conditions on a force plate: i) static with eyes open and ii) static with eyes closed. Centre of pressure signals were analyzed in time domain. Non-parametric contrasts were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Statistical differences between groups were found in anteroposterior range, anterior-posterior force and medio-lateral force (p < 0.05). Within-groups comparisons showed poorer results in eyes closed conditions for both groups.

Conclusion

Individuals with Down syndrome involved in the present study showed deficits in balance control when compared with people without Down syndrome. The obtained data are not conclusive. The participation of the different systems which control balance in people with Down syndrome remains unknown.